PIANIST / MULTIINSTRUMENTALIST
Kalle is a classical pianist and multi-instrumentalist whose remarkably diverse musical career spans from classical traditions to contemporary popular music. His artistry bridges a wide range of styles, including baroque, classical, romantic, impressionist, contemporary art music, singer-songwriter, neo-soul, blues, pop, and rock.
As a soloist, one of Kalle’s most significant undertakings was performing the complete cycle of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos, a milestone he accomplished in the autumn of 2020. That same year marked the release of his debut solo album, Music from a Room, composed by Joel Lundberg. The album gained international attention when it was featured on Spotify’s acclaimed “Classical New Releases” playlist shortly after its launch, and has since been praised by several international music blogs, including No Dead Guys, The Cross-Eyed Pianist, and Nordic Simit.
Kalle and Lundberg continued their collaboration with the 2023 release of Odysseys and Apostrophes, an ambitious follow-up album recorded—like its predecessor—at Studio Epidemin in Gothenburg, on a magnificent Fazioli grand piano. In 2021, Kalle took on another monumental challenge: a commission to record J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations under the pseudonym Axel Gillison. Captured at Nilento Studios and released by Warner Music – X5 Music Group, the recording was completed on short notice during the height of the pandemic. Plans are underway for future live performances of the complete Goldberg Variations.
Since 2016, Kalle has collaborated with baritone Tobias Fjälling, a partnership that began at the Nordic Song Festival in Hudiksvall. Their joint project, Nordic Songs (2023), presents a curated collection of art songs by Nordic composers such as Wilhelm Stenhammar, Edvard Grieg, Emil Sjögren, Lars-Erik Larsson, Ture Rangström, Hans Gefors, and Mattias Borg. The recordings took place at Nilento Studio, selected for its exceptional acoustics and extraordinary Steinway grand piano. Rather than adopting traditional soloist-accompanist roles, the duo cultivated a chamber music-like dialogue, where phrasing, pulse, and form were shaped together in real time.
Alongside his work with Tobias Fjälling, Kalle maintains an ongoing artistic partnership with soprano Ingrid Berg. Together, they have performed a number of lieder recitals and continue to explore both traditional and contemporary vocal repertoire. Their collaboration is rooted in a shared sensitivity to musical storytelling and text interpretation, marked by a strong sense of dialogue between voice and piano. One of their most recent projects is the contemporary song cycle Madrigalerna, composed by Simon Söfelde and based on the poetry of Karl Appelgren. Two of the songs were premiered at Hagakyrkan in Gothenburg in April 2024.
In parallel with his performing career, Kalle has also dedicated several years to teaching classical piano and collaborative performance. Between 2014 and 2022, he taught at Bollnäs Folk High School, and from 2021 to 2023 at the Vadstena Song and Piano Academy. He has also served as a collaborative pianist and substitute teacher at institutions including Musikkonservatoriet Falun and Ingesund School of Music. His pedagogical approach is grounded in a belief in each individual’s ability to grow from their own artistic foundation, with teaching seen as a process of inspiration and craftsmanship. While not actively teaching at the moment, the collaborative spirit remains central to his musical practice.
Collaborations with Albin Lee Meldau
He is one of the members of acclaimed Swedish singer-songwriter Albin Lee Meldau’s band, where he has also contributed as a drummer, co-writer, and arranger. Before joining the solo project, Kalle played drums in The Magnolia—a band consisting of Albin together with Arvid Nero, Gabriel Castro, Pontus Hedström, and Malte von Sydow. When the group disbanded and Albin launched his solo career in 2015, Kalle transitioned into the role of pianist and drummer, becoming the only member from Magnolia to continue into the new project. Together with Albin and other key collaborators, he helped shape the foundation of the band’s early sound—contributing both creatively and musically to its evolving identity.
Here are two special live performances of “If You Ever Change Your Mind” — each offering its own unique atmosphere. The first was recorded in the serene setting of Hagakyrkan, capturing an intimate and reflective tone. The second was broadcast on Swedish national television, performed live in front of a seated audience. Both versions feature only piano and voice, revealing the emotional core of the song through two distinct lenses.
Want to see the televised version? Watch the Swedish TV performance here
The early formation of Albin’s solo band also included Simon Söfelde and Simon Andermo, with Gibril Cham joining later on. Arvid Nero would later return to collaborate as well.
Since then, the formation has completed numerous studio recordings—including sessions at Atlantis Studios and Ingrid Studios in Stockholm, and Spinnroads Studios in Lindome—and performed hundreds of concerts across Sweden, Europe, and the United States. Notable appearances include NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert (Washington D.C.), South by Southwest (Austin), the O2 Arena (London), Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, TN), Cactus TV (London), and Allsång på Skansen on Swedish national television.
Tiny Desk Concert – NPR Music
An intimate live session with Albin Lee Meldau at NPR’s Tiny Desk back in 2017. A special moment to be part of — raw, soulful, and close to the heart.
Live at Allsång på Skansen – SVT
A special performance in 2024 of “Show Me” on one of Sweden’s most iconic stages. Broadcast live on national television, this moment captures the energy and connection of a summer night at Skansen.
In Sweden, the band has toured annually to sold-out concert halls since Albin’s breakthrough in 2018, with the exception of the pandemic years 2020–21. In recent years, the ensemble has expanded into a full-scale production, incorporating additional musicians, choir, and strings—further enriching the live sound and broadening its musical scope.
In autumn 2023, a special concert series titled Hommage På Svenska was presented with a modified lineup, featuring musical arrangements by Simon Söfelde. Kalle performed in a dual role as both pianist and drummer, contributing to the show’s dynamic character and stylistic range. In autumn 2024, the original formation—extended with several additional musicians and choir—embarked on their largest tour to date, performing in major arenas including Globen, Scandinavium, Tele2 Arena, Malmö Arena, Göransson Arena, Löfbergs Arena, Hatstore Arena, and Saab Arena.
While the focus remains on Albin Lee Meldau’s solo career, the reunion of The Magnolia marks an exciting parallel chapter—highlighted by a forthcoming album set for release later this year.
Arrival From Sweden – The Music of ABBA
Since autumn 2023, Kalle has been part of the internationally acclaimed production Arrival From Sweden – The Music of ABBA. He performs as a pianist in this world-touring show, which features authentic ABBA arrangements and has established itself as one of the most successful and faithful ABBA tribute productions globally. The show is regularly performed in collaboration with leading symphony orchestras such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Saigon Philharmonic Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Recordings
This section highlights Kalle Stenbäcken’s work as a soloist and interpreter within classical and contemporary music. From Bach’s Goldberg Variations to works by composer Joel Lundberg, the recordings are shaped by a reflective approach to sound, phrasing, and silence. In close collaboration with composers and singers such as Joel Lundberg and Tobias Fjälling, these projects explore the piano as a space for nuance, stillness, and presence.
Collaborations & Productions
Co-writing, band work & cross-genre performances
Alongside his classical work, Kalle Stenbäcken is a long-time collaborator with Albin Lee Meldau. As a keyboardist, drummer, and co-writer, he has contributed to albums, tours, and TV productions. These projects show his versatility across genres, with a musical sensibility that supports both song and sound.
© 2025 by Kalle Stenbäcken